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6. George Blanda

George Blanda played for George Halas’ Chicago Bears in the 1950s, but Halas used him more as a Kicker than Quarterback, and a frustrated Blanda retired after the 1958 season.  When the American Football League formed, Blanda returned to the game, signing with the Houston Oilers, where he was able to prove that he belonged as a pivot all along.

Blanda was the Oilers Quarterback and Kicker for seven seasons, and he led the Oilers to the first AFL Championship. Blanda repeated that in 1961, but individually, he had his best year, leading the AFL in Passing Yards (3,330) and Touchdowns (36) while winning the MVP.  An AFL All-Star that season, Blanda would be again in 1962 and 1963, the latter year winning his second Passing Yard Title.  

Blanda threw for 19,149 Yards and kicked for another 91 Field Goals and 301 Extra Points as an Oiler.

He joined the Oakland Raiders after the 1966 season and played until his mid-40s, donning the pads for 26 total seasons.

Blanda was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1981, and arguably it was on the strength of his accomplishments in Houston.  He would be inducted into the Titans Ring of Honor in 1999.

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